🍞 Easy Homemade Bread
🕒 Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (including rising)
🍽️ Yields: 1 loaf
🧾 Ingredients
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3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
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2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
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1 tbsp sugar or honey
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1 1/2 tsp salt
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1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional for a softer crumb)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
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In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar/honey.
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Sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
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In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
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Add foamy yeast mixture and olive oil (if using).
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Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand (or mixer with dough hook) for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise
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Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
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Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape & Second Rise
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Punch down the dough. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan (or shape into a round and place on a parchment-lined sheet).
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Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
5. Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Cool
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Let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
🍞 Tips & Variations
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Add herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough for variety.
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For a crustier loaf, place a pan of hot water in the oven while baking.
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Brush top with melted butter right out of the oven for a soft, golden crust.
Want a no-knead version or whole wheat alternative? Let me know!